Review: Pump Boys and Dinettes at Triad Stage

The Pyrle has another gem in its crown!
 

Pump Boys and Dinettes opens tonight at Triad Stage in Greensboro, NC. On Wednesday night, I had the pleasure of attending a preview performance of this wonderful, energetic show. When I was greeted by the beautiful set designed by Timothy R. Mackabee, I knew I was in for a treat, and the cast did not disappoint. This musical takes its name from the musical group that wrote and performed in the original cast. John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann are credited with writing book, lyrics and music for this show set off of Highway 57 in between Frog Level and Smyrna, North Carolina. 

The music and lyrics of the show are beautiful and tons of fun, but the book leaves something to be desired, very often seeming like nothing more than a half-hearted attempt to clumsily transition from one song to the next. But that did not stop this excellent cast from plowing from song to song with beautiful smiles on every face including those of us in the audience. 

The cast members are wonderfully suited to each and every role and have been expertly directed and choreographed by Bryan Conger and the music could not be in better hands that the Music Director Justin Cowan. Front man for the Pump Boys is Jim. Rob Kahn ably handles the role and his smooth and easy way of talking makes you feel right at home from the minute the cast comes onstage. "Mamaw" is sure to be a favorite to anyone familiar with this show and Rob's beautifully heartfelt rendition is sure to bring a tear. Gabe Bowling plays pretty boy Jackson with style and his guitar licks are as beautiful as his smile. Jonathan Cable sits behind the piano as L.M., but his talent and drive are up front many times as he shows off his amazing keyboard and accordion skills. Eddie is an almost totally silent role, but Aaron Bond handles the silence very well and his bass playing is top notch. The sisters who give their name to the Double Cupp are Pruddie and Rhetta Cupp. Georgia Rogers Farmer made me feel right at home as Prudie and her singing of "Best Man" and "Sister" were the beautiful, sentimental highlights of the night. Gwendolyn Jones is truly not to be missed as the spunky fireball Rhetta Cupp. When she lets go during "Be Good or Be Gone" and "Vacation", she absolutely brings the house down and calls to mind the great Nell Carter with her wonderfully piercing voice and sassy style.
If you have a free night between now and May 4th and do not make every effort to get to The Pyrle to see this show, you have truly done yourself a disservice. This is one that Triad Stage has every reason to be proud of. Congrats to everyone involved.